Montreal Canadiens: Three Players That Need Strong Showing In Remainder of Preseason

Juraj Slafkovsky

The first overall pick often jumps straight to the NHL, but then Owen Power did not last season. The Buffalo Sabres elected to have him play one more season of college hockey, and now the Habs have to choose if Slafkovsky will be the next first overall pick to stay away from the NHL right away.

Slafkovsky, a 6’3” and 238 pound left winger has a rare combination of size and speed, but is he ready to harness it at the NHL level yet? He looked great in rookie camp, but his general manager admitted his play was a bit underwhelming in his two preseason games.

That doesn’t mean his chances of making the team are gone, but he will need to show a lot more in the coming days if the Canadiens are going to put him in the opening night lineup. With four preseason games left on the schedule, Slafkovksy could play as many as three to give him as many chances as possible to show that he is ready.

If not, Slafkovksy is eligible to play in the AHL, so he could start the season with the Rocket. Many teenagers drafted out of the Canadian Junior leagues don’t have that luxury as they have to return to Junior if they don’t make the NHL. Slafkovksy was drafted out of Liiga, in Finland so he can split time this season between Laval and Montreal.

We will find out this week if Slafkovsky is NHL ready or not.

Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!

Write for us!